Marine biologists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) are unlocking the mysteries of the Southern Ocean with over 400 plankton samples collected during the recent 40th Chinese Antarctic Expedition.
Setting sail from Shanghai in November 2023, the expedition team embarked on a 161-day journey spanning more than 81,000 nautical miles, ultimately returning to the port of Qingdao in Shandong Province in April.
These plankton, invisible to the naked eye and requiring magnification of up to 400 times for proper observation, are the foundation of the Southern Ocean ecosystem. They play a crucial role in maintaining its stability and supporting a diverse marine food web.
“These samples, containing phytoplankton and planktonic ciliates, were collected from three key areas: the Antarctic Peninsula, Prydz Bay, and the Astronaut Sea,” explained Li Haibo, an assistant researcher at the CAS Institute of Oceanology. “We gathered over 400 samples in total.”
Planktonic ciliates serve as vital intermediaries between the micro-food web and the classic food chain. Studying them provides insights into the relationships between plankton distribution, community structure, and environmental factors in the Southern Ocean.
The samples were meticulously collected from seven different water layers, ranging from the surface to 200 meters deep, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of these tiny yet essential organisms.
Building on data from China's 31st Antarctic expedition in 2014, CAS researchers have made significant strides. “Our long-term data analysis has revealed patterns in the distribution of planktonic ciliates and their association with different water masses in the Southern Ocean. For instance, certain sand-shell ciliates are predominantly found between 150 and 200 meters depth. Further research is needed to understand the causes of this vertical distribution,” Li added.
This ongoing research not only enhances our understanding of marine ecosystems but also contributes to global efforts in monitoring and preserving ocean health.
Reference(s):
Newly-returned Antarctic samples reveal secrets of microscopic ocean
cgtn.com
